Public safety & law — Topics

3 Apr 2017

Noise Pollution Summonses Issued to Malaysian Motorcycles Entering Singapore

Member of Parliament Liang Eng Hwa asked about summonses for noisy Malaysian motorcycles, potential enforcement increases near BKE, and a review of permissible noise levels.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) and Land Transport Authority (LTA) conduct joint enforcement blitzes, with 38 foreign motorcycles stopped since 2016 for illegal exhaust modifications.
Enforcement actions consider public feedback, and vehicles must comply with noise standards to renew road tax, with standards regularly reviewed.

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3 Apr 2017

Eradicating Gang-related Activities

The Minister reported that rioting cases with secret society connotations have declined over the past three years, with a corresponding drop in youth involvement, indicating effective control through strict enforcement and tough laws.
Authorities are implementing preventive and rehabilitative initiatives, including anti-gang talks in schools, training camps with self-reflection activities, and the Streetwise Programme with curfews and counselling for at-risk youths.
Agencies such as the Singapore Police Force, Prison Service, and Ministries of Education and Social Development collaborate with voluntary welfare organisations to address gang-related activities and support youth intervention.
Measures are in place to monitor and counter the use of social media for gang recruitment, focusing on identifying and educating at-risk youths through targeted programmes and online surveillance.

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3 Apr 2017

Tunnelling Works that Led to Cave-in at Bukit Brown Tomb

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong asked about the Bukit Brown tomb cave-in, specifically whether the contractor had adequate knowledge of ground conditions and supervision, and how LTA ensures machine operators are trained for sensitive areas.
Khaw Boon Wan attributed the incident to mixed ground conditions and the operator's poor judgment, noting the operator failed to follow protocol by not consulting the Tunnel Manager or Senior Tunnel Engineer, and has since been replaced.
LTA requires machine operators to have at least five years of experience and contractors to conduct soil investigations before tunnelling, with plans to enforce stricter controls and supervision going forward.

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3 Apr 2017

Non-compliance with Approved Operating Procedures at SMRT

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh asked why SMRT's non-compliance with approved operating procedures from 2002 until the fatal March 2016 accident went undetected and uncorrected, and whether the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) had inspected SMRT for workplace safety during that period.
MOM stated that it conducted 10 workplace safety inspections at SMRT train depots between 2002 and 2015, focusing on high-risk areas like work-at-height activities, and that a proactive, risk-based approach is used to target sectors with high accident likelihood or severe consequences.
Following the 2016 accident, MOM's investigation found SMRT employees failed to follow established procedures, and the Ministry noted internal safety checks by SMRT were ineffective, leading to a $400,000 fine—the highest ever for a Workplace Safety and Health violation.
MOM emphasized that both employers and workers share responsibility for safety, and collective ownership is needed to ensure workers return home safely every day.

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3 Apr 2017

Crimes Committed by Foreigners

Darryl David asked for statistics on foreigners imprisoned for crimes in the past year, a comparison with previous years, and the criteria for revoking immigration status and deportation for serious offenses.
K Shanmugam reported a decline in foreigners imprisoned over the last five years, with 2,750 in 2016, of which over a third were for immigration offenses; foreigners made up 26.9% of all imprisoned persons, below their 30% share of the population.
The Minister stated that the Immigration Act allows cancellation of passes and deportation for serious offenses, with re-entry bans for those convicted of crimes like drug trafficking, violent crime, or syndicated crime, especially without family roots in Singapore.

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3 Apr 2017

Public Order (Amendment) Bill

The Bill strengthens security for large public and private events by requiring organizers to notify police in advance and mandating security measures for events with over 5,000 or 10,000 attendees, respectively, to address terrorism risks.
It amends the law to allow police to refuse permits for assemblies or processions involving foreigners or foreign entities directed toward political ends, to prevent foreign interference in Singapore's domestic politics.
Concerns were raised about the broad definition of "political ends," potential impact on civil society and free speech, and the financial burden of security costs on event organizers, with calls for clearer guidelines and support for smaller groups.
The Minister emphasized that the amendments focus on foreign involvement, not local citizen participation, and that police discretion is necessary to balance security with public order, while appealing to trust in executive decision-making.

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3 Apr 2017

Computer Misuse and Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill

The Bill amends the Computer Misuse and Cybersecurity Act to criminalize the obtaining, retention, or trade of personal information and hacking tools known to be derived from computer crimes, with exemptions for legitimate cybersecurity work.
It expands the law’s extraterritorial reach to prosecute offenses committed overseas that cause or risk serious harm in Singapore, such as disrupting essential services or government functions.
The amendment allows multiple related computer offenses over a 12-month period to be amalgamated into a single charge, enabling more appropriate sentencing for cumulative damage.

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3 Apr 2017

Terrorism (Suppression of Misuse of Radioactive Material) Bill

The Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs, Mr Desmond Lee, presented the Terrorism (Suppression of Misuse of Radioactive Material) Bill to give effect to the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism.
The Bill aims to provide for connected matters, aligning Singapore's legal framework with international standards to combat nuclear terrorism risks.
The bill was read for the first time and scheduled for a second reading at the next available parliamentary sitting, with orders for it to be printed.

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3 Apr 2017

Action to Protect Reputation of Police Force

Mr Lim Biow Chuan questioned the Police's approach to protecting its reputation against false and malicious allegations, urging consideration of punitive measures.
Minister K Shanmugam highlighted strong public trust in the Police and stated that false allegations are investigated and publicly corrected, while acknowledging the need to review laws for better protection against deliberate falsehoods.
The Minister emphasized that while genuine feedback and criticism are welcome, deliberate malicious lies that undermine public institutions must be actively dealt with, and appropriate actions are being considered.

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3 Apr 2017

Strengthening Legislation for Crime against Children

The Ministry of Home Affairs is reviewing laws on child pornography and sexual offences against minors to consider enhancing sentences or drafting new legislation, with the review expected to be completed by the end of the year.
The Minister stated that while punishments may need to be stiffer, the review will assess whether legal changes or process adjustments are needed, noting that some vulnerable groups like domestic helpers already have enhanced protections.
The Minister indicated that public consultation is likely for any Penal Code changes, though an internal review is currently underway, and comprehensive reviews including other vulnerable groups are being considered.

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3 Apr 2017

Actions against Publication of Fake News

The Minister for Law highlighted that fake news is a serious global threat, with examples like false stories influencing elections, causing violence, and generating profits for publishers, and noted Singapore has faced similar issues with sites like "The Real Singapore" and "States Times Review."
He emphasized that current laws are insufficient to tackle the rapid spread of falsehoods online, and the government is considering new measures, such as stricter penalties, agency oversight, or requiring platforms to remove fake content, similar to approaches in Germany and the UK.
The Minister outlined the real-world harms of fake news, including public alarm, misuse of emergency resources, damage to reputations, and potential foreign manipulation to destabilize society and influence elections.
The government is actively reviewing how to strengthen laws and implement timely corrections for false information, acknowledging the need for a robust response to protect public interest and social cohesion.

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3 Apr 2017

Investigations into Cyberattack on MINDEF's Systems

The Minister explained that MINDEF/SAF systems face daily cyber intrusion attempts, and the February 2017 breach of the I-net system was detected weeks after it occurred, with no classified data compromised; steps are being taken to strengthen IT systems with better tools and data analytics.
Investigations into the cyberattack are ongoing, but findings will remain confidential for security reasons; perpetrators may not always be identified or prosecuted, especially if they are overseas, and emphasis is placed on technological and human-factor defenses.
The stolen personal data from the breach included basic information like NRIC numbers and dates of birth, but no passwords, and MINDEF has contacted affected personnel to mitigate risks, with ongoing efforts to review data storage on internet systems.

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10 Mar 2017

Trustees (Amendment) Bill

The Trustees (Amendment) Bill introduces a new framework to enhance transparency and record-keeping for trusts in Singapore, aligning with international standards to combat money laundering, terrorism financing, and tax evasion.
The Bill empowers the Minister to impose duties on trustees to obtain and maintain up-to-date information on trust parties, agents, and assets, with non-compliance punishable by fines up to $1,000.
Amendments respond to recommendations from the Financial Action Task Force and Global Forum, ensuring Singapore remains a trusted financial centre while balancing enforcement with proportionate sanctions.
Parliament debated clarifications on implementation, such as compliance timelines and the role of agents, and discussed broader measures to strengthen anti-money laundering efforts across other sectors.

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9 Mar 2017

Public Order (Amendment) Bill

The Public Order (Amendment) Bill was introduced to amend the Public Order Act, presented by Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Mr Desmond Lee.
The bill was read for the first time and scheduled for a second reading at the next available parliamentary sitting.
The amendment aims to update the existing Public Order Act to enhance public safety and regulatory clarity.

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9 Mar 2017

Computer Misuse and Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill

The bill aims to amend the Computer Misuse and Cybersecurity Act to enhance legal provisions for digital crimes and cybersecurity.
It was presented by the Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs, Mr Desmond Lee, and underwent its first reading in Parliament.
The bill is scheduled for a second reading on the next available sitting and will be printed for legislative review.

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9 Mar 2017

Recovery of False SkillsFuture Credit Claims

About 4,400 individuals falsely claimed a total of $2.2 million in SkillsFuture Credit, and SkillsFuture Singapore has issued demand letters for repayment, with legal action possible for non-compliance.
Investigations found no conspiracy with training providers, but individuals who submitted false information face penalties including fines up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment up to 12 months.
SkillsFuture Singapore is intensifying checks and audits on training providers and claims, and a review committee has been set up to strengthen policies and procedures to prevent future abuses.

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8 Mar 2017

Use of Video-conferencing Facilities for Enforcement of Maintenance Orders Applications

From 2014 to 2016, between 23 and 26 applications for enforcement of maintenance orders were filed annually using video-conferencing facilities at designated centres.
These video-conferencing applications represented about 1% of the total annual enforcement applications, which ranged from 2,600 to 3,000 cases.
The Ministry continues to collaborate with the Family Justice Courts and service centres to enhance accessibility and awareness of the video-conferencing and support services for maintenance enforcement.

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3 Mar 2017

Committee of Supply − Head E (Judicature)

Murali Pillai praised the Singapore Judiciary's efficiency and proposed allowing all faiths to take oaths in court according to their religious beliefs, similar to practices in other common law jurisdictions.
The Senior Minister of State for Law argued that the current system, where affirmations have the same legal effect as oaths for non-Christians, is sufficient and that expanding oath-taking could create practical difficulties and unnecessary costs.
Murali Pillai withdrew his amendment to reduce funding for Head E (Judicature) after the Senior Minister of State's explanation, and the sums for Head E were approved.

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3 Mar 2017

Committee of Supply ‒ Head B (Attorney-General's Chambers)

Sylvia Lim raised concerns about the significant increase in AGC headcount, questioning the necessity for more officers and the recruitment of senior lawyers from the private sector who may not have the right public service mindset.
Senior Minister of State Indranee Rajah explained that the increased headcount was necessary to address understaffing and manage a growing workload, including more complex cases and new functions, and defended the appointment of mid-career recruits, including former MPs, as common and acceptable in many countries.
Sylvia Lim clarified her concerns, emphasizing the vast prosecutorial discretion of the AG and Deputy AG, and questioned whether the Deputy AG would recuse himself in politically charged cases.
Minister K Shanmugam defended the appointment, stating the Deputy AG is eminently qualified and that the system ensures individuals of character and competence are chosen, with clear rules on recusal.
Sylvia Lim withdrew her amendment to reduce funding but maintained her reservations, and the sums for Head B were approved.

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3 Mar 2017

Committee of Supply ‒ Head R (Ministry of Law)

Ministers highlighted Singapore's achievements as a global legal and dispute resolution hub, noting growth in arbitration cases at SIAC and the expansion of Maxwell Chambers, while discussing plans to promote Singapore law and enhance its international standing.
The debate focused on improving access to justice, with updates on criminal legal aid through CLAS, reviews of the Legal Aid and Advice Act means-test, and considerations for simplifying non-contentious probate procedures and event-triggered fee arrangements.
Efforts to future-proof the legal industry were outlined, including support for small and medium law firms through technology adoption programmes, developing multidisciplinary skills for lawyers and in-house counsel, and upcoming recommendations from the Committee on the Future Economy.

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